By Bill Kurelic, NN Recruiting Analyst

bkurelic@nittanynetwork.com

August 3, 2009

Last week, Duncan (S.C.) Byrnes running back and ESPNU 150 Watch List prospect Marcus Lattimore told Nittany Network he was set to visit Penn State on Thursday, July 30 and Friday, July 31.  He said he would be accompanied by two of his teammates: wide receiver Nick Jones and linebacker Creighton Frost.

The three made it to State College, though they arrived one day late.

“We all went,” Jones said.  “We got there on Friday morning and left on Saturday morning.”

Jones did not go home unimpressed.

“I loved it,” he said.  “It was amazing.  I’ve never seen anything like it.  The stadium seats 110,000.  I can just imagine what it is like when it’s filled up.”

Jones and his two teammates were given a tour and spent time talking to the Penn State coaching staff.

“I talked to Coach (Bill) Kenney, Coach (Mike) McQueary and Coach (Joe) Paterno,” Jones said.  “It went great.  They are all real nice coaches.  Coach Paterno is a funny guy.  He likes to kid around a lot.”

The Nittany Lions offered Lattimore a scholarship long ago.  They have not yet offered Jones or Frost.

“They told me they would send me something by Thursday,” Jones said.  “I’m hoping it is an offer.”

The 5-foot-9 and 170-pound Jones played wide receiver, running back and quarterback during his junior season.  He caught 64 passes for 816 yards.  Jones scored 13 touchdowns.

Jones, who is being recruited by the Nittany Lions as a slot receiver, has scholarship offers from South Carolina, Michigan, Northern Illinois and Georgia Southern. 

Lattimore has dozens of scholarship offers, but has narrowed his list down to South Carolina, Penn State, Oregon, North Carolina and Auburn.

“Me and Marcus talk about going to the same school all the time,” Jones said.
 
Kurelic’s Comment:  I expect Lattimore’s decision to come down to Penn State, South Carolina or Oregon.  I don’t think the Nittany Lions will offer Jones just to increase their odds of landing Lattimore.  But I definitely think they could offer Jones, and if they do, I think they have a very realistic shot at landing both he and Lattimore.